MP 1,1-5,1 Video Card Recommendation for Mac Pro 5,1 in 2024

[tsialex]

Just one last question, should I remove the 580 and put the 680 back and than install Mojave and install the the 580 back?

Mojave does not install from createinstallmedia USB installer if you have a NVIDIA 6xx/7xx GPU, you have to install it from High Sierra to another drive.

Since right now your RX 580 does not have pre-boot configuration support - this can be solved with BootROM reconstruction service later - and will make your life miserable trying to do a clean install, do it with two steps. Install High Sierra with your AppleOEM GPU or the GTX 680 if is a flashed one and then install Mojave to a second drive.

You can even install the RX 580 to High Sierra, it will work more or less poorly, but will work. Apple only really cooked the RX 580 drivers with Mojave release.

 

[Marcosmg]

Hi again, did what you said I’m pretty sure. Installed an old 3tb on my cd drive, made two partitions, installed high sierra in one partition and Mojave on the second partition. The Radeon 580 works fine. As soon as I installed back my SSD’s and Nvme with Monterey and Ventura I can not boot. I can not even boot from the Ventura installer usb. I know I’m doing something wrong, I’m missing or overseeing something. Maybe I have to do the bootrom reconstruction as you mentioned. If this is what I need can you please show the link? Thanks again

 

[tsialex]

Hi again, did what you said I’m pretty sure. Installed an old 3tb on my cd drive, made two partitions, installed high sierra in one partition and Mojave on the second partition. The Radeon 580 works fine.

Nice, good news!

As soon as I installed back my SSD’s and Nvme with Monterey and Ventura I can not boot. I can not even boot from the Ventura installer usb. I know I’m doing something wrong,

You are not doing it wrong, you're just forgetting that don't have access to Apple native BootPicker right now and like I've said to you before, OCLP does not allow you to change the GPU that you used for the installation for one that use different drivers - since OCLP removes the drivers for any other GPUs.

I’m missing or overseeing something.

Yes, you installed a PC GPU, so, nothing works display wise until the macOS GPU drivers are loaded on the last half the boot process.

Also, no way to access/use the Apple native BootPicker right now.

Maybe I have to do the bootrom reconstruction as you mentioned. If this is what I need can you please show the link? Thanks again

You gonna need to reinstall the unsupported macOS releases with your RX 580 and for that you gonna need pre-boot configuration support. OCLP without pre-boot configuration support makes it extremely difficult to install.

To have pre-boot configuration support with a RX 580, you gonna need EnableGop, the easiest way to obtain it is with the BootROM reconstruction service, you'll get your BootROM repaired for the early-2009 cross-flashing issues, fully upgraded to mid-2012 standard and will have pre-boot configuration support with PC GPUs.

I've sent you a PM.

 

[CarManDSL]

Much appreciate all the great info over the years. About time I joined in with the conversation.

Have a MP 2010 5,1 with Sapphire Plus RX580, Mojave. Wish to use a single 6k60hz monitor. Asus 32PAQCV on the list.
Can the RX580 support this? (Each of 2xDP supports 4k)
Will a Mac flashed Titan Ridge 2.0 with 2xDP feeds from RX580 support 6k? (general office duties, some light CAD/Adobe PS & Ai)

Idea is to use a M4 Mini along with MP5,1 and switch between depending on requirement, both using a single 6k monitor

 

[reader50]

It appears the Asus 32PAQCV is not for sale yet, only announced. In which case, no one outside Asus could answer for sure.

Based on available resolutions shown by my RX580 (with a 4K plugged in), a single DP might drive a 6K display. But the refresh rate would be 30 Hz, or maybe even 24 Hz. Perhaps a dual-DP connection could do it, but again, no one can test this until the display ships.

Your other alternative would be a Vega-based card. They officially list resolutions up to 8K, which presumably means 8K @ 60 Hz.

Navi (RX 5xxx or RX 6xxx) is also an option, but limits you to macOS Monterey. The OpenCore people haven't solved the Navi driver issues for anything after Monterey.

 

[CarManDSL]

Asus has just posted the MSRP so at least the release is getting close.
I will ponder your suggestion of an alternative GPU.

Thank you for your insight.

 

[fattcamp]

Hey guys,

Now that I've got my NVME stuff sorted, thinking of upgrading from the Sapphire Pulse RX580 with EnableGop to something more powerful to potentially boot one of my 970 evo plus blades with win10/11 for some gaming. I know I'm limited to older tech such as 2nd gen PCIe... but what would be the best option with/without gpu flashing or with/without Pixlas mod based on your guys experience? I'm comfortable with the mods.

I do some video editing but it's mainly a for audio use... so the RX580 has been rock solid. Just feel like I could have a bit of fun with it in Win.

Is it pretty much the 6600 or 6600 XT's? I plan on sticking with Monterey on this beautiful beast.

Thanks!

 

[Borowski]

All Navi-based cards like RX6600(XT) MUST be flashed before installing in Mac Pro 5.1. Otherwise the machine won't start, this is due to an UEFI incompatibility which isn't fixed yet by an official bios update: https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...s.2262295/page-36?post=31039294#post-31039294

For luck, adding EnableGOP to the cards bios is easy, because most Navi-cards have enough free space. No bootrom mod needed.

 

[AlexMaximus]

Hey guys,

Now that I've got my NVME stuff sorted, thinking of upgrading from the Sapphire Pulse RX580 with EnableGop to something more powerful to potentially boot one of my 970 evo plus blades with win10/11 for some gaming. I know I'm limited to older tech such as 2nd gen PCIe... but what would be the best option with/without gpu flashing or with/without Pixlas mod based on your guys experience? I'm comfortable with the mods.

I do some video editing but it's mainly a for audio use... so the RX580 has been rock solid. Just feel like I could have a bit of fun with it in Win.

Is it pretty much the 6600 or 6600 XT's? I plan on sticking with Monterey on this beautiful beast.

Thanks!

Check out his videos:

 

[chet.d]

Not even macOS compatible.

RX580 2048 SPs are fake cards made for the chinese market. Real RX 580 have 2304 SPs (StreamProcessors/CUs).

Manufacturers get 2nd hand RX 570 chips removed from abused crypto mining GPUs and then make a fake RX 580 with a new PCB. The fake have a different PCIe ID from the real one.

Apple AMD drivers does not work with these 2048 SPs GPUs.



This is also suspect, since a real RX 560 have 1024SPs and these one is 896SPs. Never got a RX 560 896SPs, so I can't say if the Apple AMD drivers work or not with this one.

Some RX 560 models do not require additional power, the power is fully drawn from the PCIe slot.
I personally don't really like to use the PCIe slot power to the limit like this GPUs does, but maybe works fine for your workflow.



On the cheap, your best bet is 2nd GPUs sourced locally, a real RX 580 with 2304SPs.

If you can't find one, maybe try one of the AMD Pro cards, like the AMD Radeon Pro WX 7100 that is the Radeon Pro equivalent of the standard RX 580 2304 SPs.

Buying these directly from AMD store have no chance of fakes, have full warranty, require one PCIe slot only, are very cool/silent GPUs and require just one 6-pin power connector.

AMD Radeon Pro WX 7100 100-505826 8GB 256-bit GDDR5 Video Cards - Workstation

The Radeon Pro wx 7100 graphics card is the world's most powerful single-slot workstation GPU and is designed for VR and the immersive computing era. Vr, or virtual reality, is emerging as the next major industry inflection point for design & manufacturing as well as media & entertainment workflo...

www.amazon.com

These Radeon Pro GPUs like the WX 7100 are very sought after for studio usage, cool, almost completely silent, one PCIe slot only.

Expensive? Yep, but you have what you pay.

You will be Very happy with that WX 7100 card. Unfortunately the Professional GPU line from AMD gets not enough media coverage. They usually run cooler, have better engineered cooling and also better driver package on the Windows side. I am super happy with my blue workstation card.
However, since I upgraded mine, for everybody who needs a really good 8GM RX580 Pulse for the MP5.1 (Mac EFI) with upgraded cooling, I still have one for sale.

Not sure if it's more-so coincidental, or not, but since installing the WX 7100 been recently getting dual white screen boot ups every once in a while. This is a recording studio 5.1 so it make me real nervous in not wanting to be down of course. Albeit back up song files regularly etc.

Might have nothing to do with the WX 7100 in which case, I'm scratching my head w uncertainty. But it makes me wonder as the boot up time did slightly increase post the WX 7100, until I see screens come to life.
So hmmmm. But certainly much appreciate any wise trouble shooting words.

 

[tsialex]

Not sure if it's more-so coincidental, or not, but since installing the WX 7100 been recently getting dual white screen boot ups every once in a while. This is a recording studio 5.1 so it make me real nervous in not wanting to be down of course. Albeit back up song files regularly etc.

Might have nothing to do with the WX 7100 in which case, I'm scratching my head w uncertainty. But it makes me wonder as the boot up time did slightly increase post the WX 7100, until I see screens come to life.
So hmmmm. But certainly much appreciate any wise trouble shooting words.

I'd start with the basics, when was the last time you did any preventive maintenance to your Mac Pro?

1. Cleaned all the dust and fluff accumulated on the CPU tray over the years?
2. Replaced the RTC BR2032 battery?
3. Run Apple Hardware Test?

 

[chet.d]

I'd start with the basics, when was the last time you did any preventive maintenance to your Mac Pro?

1. Cleaned all the dust and fluff accumulated on the CPU tray over the years?
2. Replaced the RTC BR2032 battery?
3. Run Apple Hardware Test?

I did recently open it up & clean dust / cpu tray etc.
Good question about the RTC BR2032 battery. I'll have to find where that is and replace.
The only Apple testing I've done is via disk utility / to do a general repair of disks. No issues found.
...are you referring to another hw test?

Appreciate these thoughts.

 

[tsialex]

...are you referring to another hw test?

Yes, Apple Hardware Test - AHT.

Apple Hardware Test/Apple Service Diagnostics - AHT/ASD:

You need to run AHT and to be sure that you don't have any hardware issues.

You'll need an Apple OEM GPU with 64bit EFI (HD 2600XT, 8800GT, Quadro FX 5600, GT120, HD 4870/5770/5870) to run AHT/ASD.

While AHT/ASD can be used with PC flashed GPUs, it will always fail mid test when the GPU sensors are checked. Non flashed PC GPUs won't work at all. You’ll need to boot completely vanilla, no OC, to use AHT/ASD.

Use AppleOEM GPUs.

You can get AHT links and instructions on how to install it on this GitHub article.

AHT, you'll need 022-4831-A.dmg:

GitHub - upekkha/AppleHardwareTest: Apple Hardware Test Download Links

Apple Hardware Test Download Links. Contribute to upekkha/AppleHardwareTest development by creating an account on GitHub.

github.com

The ASD version that you need is 3S149. The AHT instructions are also valid for creating an ASD USB key and Apple provides a PDF inside the disk image with installation instructions.

ASD, you need 3S149:

Redirecting...

For people that have an early-2009 cross-flashed with MP5,1 firmware, you will need to run the MacPro5,1 versions of AHT (022-4831-A) and ASD (3S149).

 

[chet.d]

Yes, Apple Hardware Test - AHT.

Apple Hardware Test/Apple Service Diagnostics - AHT/ASD:

You need to run AHT and to be sure that you don't have any hardware issues.

You'll need an Apple OEM GPU with 64bit EFI (HD 2600XT, 8800GT, Quadro FX 5600, GT120, HD 4870/5770/5870) to run AHT/ASD.

While AHT/ASD can be used with PC flashed GPUs, it will always fail mid test when the GPU sensors are checked. Non flashed PC GPUs won't work at all. You’ll need to boot completely vanilla, no OC, to use AHT/ASD.

Use AppleOEM GPUs.

You can get AHT links and instructions on how to install it on this GitHub article.

AHT, you'll need 022-4831-A.dmg:

GitHub - upekkha/AppleHardwareTest: Apple Hardware Test Download Links

Apple Hardware Test Download Links. Contribute to upekkha/AppleHardwareTest development by creating an account on GitHub.

github.com

The ASD version that you need is 3S149. The AHT instructions are also valid for creating an ASD USB key and Apple provides a PDF inside the disk image with installation instructions.

ASD, you need 3S149:

Redirecting...

For people that have an early-2009 cross-flashed with MP5,1 firmware, you will need to run the MacPro5,1 versions of AHT (022-4831-A) and ASD (3S149).

Thanks but I'm afraid you lost me there. Any musical skills are seriously at odds with computer tech prowess.
Maybe I could DM you and possibly pay you a fee to help remotely with troubleshooting / or basic 5.1 performance optimizing? If an option.

 

[tsialex]

Thanks but I'm afraid you lost me there. Any musical skills are seriously at odds with computer tech prowess.
Maybe I could DM you and possibly pay you a fee to help remotely with troubleshooting / or basic 5.1 performance optimizing? If an option.

Since even running AHT is difficult for you, first replace the BR2032 RTC Battery (battery holder is located between PCIe slots 1 and 2), reset the RTC and then do a deep NVRAM reset.

Test your Mac Pro and see if your issues are corrected with just the new RTC battery, if not, then we can talk about.

 

[Felpa]

Mojave does not install from createinstallmedia USB installer if you have a NVIDIA 6xx/7xx GPU, you have to install it from High Sierra to another drive.

Since right now your RX 580 does not have pre-boot configuration support - this can be solved with BootROM reconstruction service later - and will make your life miserable trying to do a clean install, do it with two steps. Install High Sierra with your AppleOEM GPU or the GTX 680 if is a flashed one and then install Mojave to a second drive.

You can even install the RX 580 to High Sierra, it will work more or less poorly, but will work. Apple only really cooked the RX 580 drivers with Mojave release.

Hello, tsialex.

I have this old mac pro:
========================
System Version: macOS 10.14.6 (18G9323)
Kernel Version: Darwin 18.7.0
Boot Volume: MacOS Mojave
Boot Mode: Normal

and these 2 cards:

NVIDIA GeForce GT 120
NVIDIA Quadro K620
========================

"Quadro K620" was working fine with "El Capitan", after installing the drivers, from NVIDIA.
"Quadro K620" was working fine with "High sierra", after installing the drivers, from NVIDIA.

Then, I've removed the "GeForce GT 120" card from the machine (it does not support metal), and started Mojave's installtion.
after the restart' step, the machine didn't boot up.
I've shut down the machine, replaced the "GeForce GT 120" card, and could finalize Mojave's installtion.

"Quadro K620" is not working at all.

I've tried searching for a driver to this card: it does not exit.

What should I do?

Thanks.

 

[tsialex]

"Quadro K620" is not working at all.

I've tried searching for a driver to this card: it does not exit.

What should I do?

Thanks.

Change to a Mojave compatible GPU, K620 is a Maxwell card that have drivers only up to High Sierra.

 

[MEXat]

I have the same RX6600XT Sapphire card on my 12.7.4 Monterey machine - it works very nicely. Also doesn't push out anywhere near as much heat as the RX580 used to do.

…

Ultimately professional level computing on the Apple side is dead. …

I just got a MacPro5,1 to tinker with it … I intend to use it with Windows or Linux to play old games like MechWarrior Online and because the cheesegraters are the best looking PCs ;-P

Currently my MacPro5,1 has the original GPU, 1TB SATA HDD and 24GB ECC RAM.
My first goal is to flash a Gainwards GT 680 for it, because it should be able to display the boot screen and is just good enough for MechWarrior Online.
I got my 680 for less than 30€, how expensive is a RX6600XT and can you also flash it to display the bootscreen ? Does the RX6600XT work with Mavericks or older MacOS ?

 

[avro707]

I got my 680 for less than 30€, how expensive is a RX6600XT and can you also flash it to display the bootscreen ? Does the RX6600XT work with Mavericks or older MacOS ?

RX6600XT should be Monterey, definitely not the older MacOS versions.

It needs to be flashed anyway to allow the machine to boot, then the enable GOP stuff should sort the rest - but don't quote me on that as didn't go that far with mine before I retired them.

 

[Borowski]

RX6600XT and other Navi-GPUs are Monterey-only in Mac Pro 5.1.
Price might be within 150 to 200€ atm.

Flashing is mandatory due to a firmware bug which will prevent to boot.

 

[bardiel]

Hi,

I have a bit of a specific edge case, but I'm hoping that there would be people here who could help.
My system: Mac Pro 5,1 , Dual Xeon X5675s , 96GB RAM , RX 580 8GB , macOS 13.7.8 Ventura via OCLP (root patches and KDK fully applied) , EnableGOP and Pixlas mod installed

Here's some background: on my Monterey partition, I had Ryujinx/Ryubing (Nintendo Switch emulator) installed and working correctly with my RX 580 with full video and audio output. After upgrading to Ventura, the software no longer works (audio output remains, but no emulator video output. just a black screen). It turns out that the GPU drivers installed for Polaris-series GPUs by OCLP (which includes cards in the RX 400–500 series) result in a black screen when trying to run the emulator on Ventura. this is actually documented by the Ryujinx team themselves, who explicitly list Polaris GPUs as broken on macOS.

I've been considering upgrading my GPU to a Vega 56 or 64, but before I commit to that, I'm hoping to find out if there are any other Mac Pro users here with a similar hardware and macOS version who would be able to do a quick 5–10 minute test, specifically to share whether their cMP with Ventura and a Vega GPU will run that emulator correctly with proper video output.

I've searched extensively here on MacRumors, Reddit, Discord, Google, and elsewhere (including with AI assistance), but haven't found any documented user reports of someone actually testing Ryujinx/Ryubing on a Mac Pro 5,1 with a Vega card under Ventura with OCLP. Based on the driver architecture differences (Vega uses AMDRadeonX5000MTLDriver rather than the AMDMTLBronzeDriver that Polaris uses, and isn't listed as broken by the Ryujinx team), a Vega GPU appears to have a reasonable likelihood of working. but I'd love real-world confirmation before spending the money.

I know it may sound like a big ask, but if someone with that hardware and OS setup would be willing to do a quick test, it would be very greatly appreciated. All it requires is:

1. Downloading Ryubing from https://git.ryujinx.app/ryubing/ryujinx
2. Loading any Switch game ROM you have access to (can't help you find those, lol 😄)
3. Reporting whether you get video output or a black screen

Hardware reminder: Mac Pro 4,1 or 5,1 with Ventura + OCLP, and a Vega 56, Vega 64, or Radeon VII GPU

If it works, I'll look into that GPU upgrade for my cMP and will update here with my findings afterwards. And if it doesn't — well, any information is better than none, and I genuinely appreciate anyone who could take the time and energy to help out.

This is an amazing community, and I'm thankful for all the support and resources I've found here along the way in my personal Mac Pro journey.

 

[markuswinternz]

If you have the modified EFI from macschrauber then you can run pretty much any PC graphics card without modification (you might of course need a more powerful power supply). I‘m not into games so my graphics card requirements are very low, and after some playing around I settled on an AMD Radeon RX 560 (2GB) which is enough to run my 32in widescreen LG high-res monitor (3440 x 1440 dpi) and draws just 75W.